: April 22, 2015
The small fishing village of Puerto Lopez is widely known as a tourist destination. With its mesmerizing natural beauty, lively ecotourism economy and eco-friendly fishing practices that make use of hand lines and small boats, it’s definitely worth a visit. The town has various trails, beaches and coastal areas with stunning landscapes and numerous attractions, making it one of the most-visited tourist destinations in Ecuador. Now, with the recent construction of its new Malecón, it’s bound to attract even more visitors.
In Spanish, the word “malecón” refers to a paved walkway situated near a lake or an ocean. Puerto Lopez’s malecón is found north of the beachfront establishment Hotel Pacifico, and is just a few steps away from Hosteria Mandala.
From this promenade, enjoy beautiful views of the Pacific Coast with some of Ecuador’s most treasured ecotourism hotspots just close by. Visit the Machalilla National Park where you’ll find gorgeous beaches, or enjoy a variety of outdoor recreational activities. Head to the Spondylus reef for an unforgettable diving and snorkeling experience or go hiking in any of Puerto Lopez’s numerous trails and lush forests. If you’re looking to tour the area, one of the best ways is to go island hopping to La Isla de Plata or the Salango Islands.
Around the malecón, you’ll also find lots of restaurants and bars serving fresh seafood and delicious traditional Ecuadorian cuisine. At night, there are plenty of options for visitors and locals as the area also has a vibrant nightlife scene.
Humpback Whale Watching
F
rom July to September, Puerto Lopez’s shallow waters are visited by humpback whales. From the malecón, visitors get a majestic, unobstructed view of these gentle giants curiously swimming through the waters, exposing their distinguishable broad and rounded tails, and performing acrobatic feats. The whales are quite used to humans and are not afraid to go near ships and small boats.